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DESIGNATED PARTIERS: Giulia Rozzi drives co-star Jeff Stern around on location in Cambridge. |
Like in other businesses, family connections are important in filmmaking. Just ask Kate Hudson and Michael Douglas.
The considerably less-connected Jeff Stern (co-producer/actor) and the crew of the "unromantic comedy," were just about able to shoot their film, Party Like It's a Verb, through the generosity of their kinfolks' contributions. That got Verb in the can, but now they estimate they need another $10,000 to finish the film and get it sent out to festivals like Sundance and SXSW.
The Phoenix's own Gerry Peary employed a mailing campaign to raise funds for his documentary, For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism, but Stern and his cadre — most of whom met through BU's film program — have different methods, such as shaking your booty and making you laugh. This Friday (June 4), Stern and Co. are hosting a fundraiser dance party at the Dilboy VFW Hall in Davis Square. The cover's $10, New York comedian — and film co-star — Giulia Rozzi will perform; DJ Whatnot will spin tunes; and there'll be an "angry platypus" dance contest (named after a drink in the movie made with soy sauce, Chambord, and pickle juice), as well as a sneak peek of the film, which Stern describes as "the value of small victories over life's disappointment."
Stern, who teaches media production at Bentley University, and co-producer Mary Baker (the film is written and directed by Rob Peyrebrune), have also turned to the Internet to help cover the finishing costs, seeking donations on indiegogo.com, a site designed to raise funds for artistic and charitable ventures.
Of the dance party, says Stern, "We're looking at this as a really fun party first, and a fundraiser second."
For more details on Party Like It's a Verb and the dance party, go to partylikeitsaverb.com.
